Suspect in Friday’s fatal DUI-involved car crash had a prior DUI

The suspect in Friday’s fatal car crash in Evans that killed a Greeley woman previously pleaded guilty to DUI in 2015, according to Colorado court records.

Evans Police Cmdr. Dan Ranous said Michael Aharonian, 30, was driving Friday at 47th Avenue and Tuscany Street in Evans when he made a left turn in front of Janet Ellen Carroll, 66, of Greeley, who had the right-of-way. First responders performed CPR on Carroll before she was taken to North Colorado Medical Center, where she died. Aharonian suffered minor injuries.

Aharonian’s court records show a history of traffic offenses. His first DUI occurred in 2014, to which Aharonian pleaded guilty in 2015. He had a blood alcohol content of .099. In January 2016, Aharonian pleaded guilty to and paid a fine for texting while driving. And in May 2016, he was charged with driving with a suspended license, though that charge was dismissed.

Aharonian is being held in this case on suspicion of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence and interlock violation; Ranous said Aharonian legally wasn’t allowed to drive a vehicle without an interlock device because of his previous DUI, and the vehicle he drove Friday didn’t have one. Interlock devices require a clear breath test before a vehicle can be operated. Ranous said police will get the results of Aharonian’s blood alcohol test in a few weeks but that “officers’ observations at the scene” led them to believe he had been drinking. Aharonian is being held on $50,000 bail. The Weld District Attorney’s Office has until Thursday to file formal charges.